Punk pioneer Malcolm McLaren dies

Sex Pistol John Lydon paid tribute to the band’s former manager
Malcolm McLaren, who has died aged 64.

The punk rock pioneer died on Thursday in a Swiss hospital after losing a battle with cancer.

Frontman Lydon, who fell out with McLaren in a rift over royalties, issued a tribute signed Johnny Rotten , the name he used while in the Sex Pistols.

Lydon, who is in the US where he is due to start a tour with his band PiL, said: “For me Malc was always entertaining, and I hope you remember that. Above all else he was an entertainer and I will miss him, and so should you.”

Young Kim, McLaren’s partner of 12 years, Joe Corre, his son with the designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, and his stepson Ben Westwood were at his side when he died of mesothelioma.

Dame Vivienne said McLaren was “a very charismatic, special and talented person”.

“When we were young and I fell in love with Malcolm, I thought he was beautiful and I still do,” she told the Daily Mail. “The thought of him dead is really something very sad.”

Mr Corre described his father as “the original punk rocker” and said he “revolutionised the world”.

“He’s somebody I’m incredibly proud of. He’s a real beacon of man for people to look up to.”

Mr Corre, who founded the lingerie brand Agent Provocateur, said funeral arrangements were not yet made but his father wanted to be buried in Highgate Cemetery, north London.